As part of a new environmental protection project, an area of approx. 4,000 m² on our company grounds was transformed into a unique orchard meadow. Extensive work on this has been started since the beginning of the year. In the future, a paradise for many animal and plant species as well as a seating area for employees will be created here.
"Orchard meadows are among the most species-rich biotopes in Europe: their various tiers - tree crowns, tree trunks and meadow floor - provide a varied living space for diverse species. From the field bumblebee to the spotted woodpecker and the lemon butterfly, a total of around 5,000 different animal and plant species are represented. Many of them are at risk or even threatened with extinction. This makes it all the more important to protect meadow orchards and bring them to the attention of as many people as possible. "1 For the long-term maintenance of a meadow orchard, the right care is of particular importance, although no pesticides are used.
As part of a sustainability project, a vacant area on the company grounds of ARGUS was transformed into such a biotope. First, various steps were taken to remove unused components, clean up the area, and straighten the ground. In this way, an ideal basis for the redesign of a meadow orchard was created within a few weeks. In cooperation with the regionally based plant nursery Lammers, a total of 22 fruit trees, various apple, pear, quince, plum and cherry trees, were then planted. Flower meadows (approx. 1,500 m2) and lawns were seeded in the surrounding open spaces, so that everything can now grow and create a green area in the summer. In addition, the neighboring warehouse is to be integrated in the course of the project with a 100 m long greening of the facade, so that further living space, especially for birds, can be created. But there is another special feature at ARGUS: In the middle of the area there is a natural lake with a size of approx. 500 m2, through which the biotope offers an ideal habitat especially for insects and native bird species.
A small gravel area was created next to the lake. In summer 2022, a seating area for employee breaks and outdoor meetings were created there.
1 Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) Landesverband Niedersachsen e. V.: Handbuch Streuobstwiesenpraxis. Hannover, 2016.